Overview
Meet your guide and group at Old Adobe Chapel, which can be credited for saving Old Town San Diego thanks to a 1884 book. Continue on to one of the most haunted homes in Southern California, also unusual for its architecture and building materials.
After a view of some Victorian architecture we'll pass by the original location of the Presidio and Mission when the Spanish first settled in California. Admire the oldest 18th-century structure in the area and learn about the indigenous tribes who lived here for thousands of years.
Back in town, we'll see some authentic Mexican handcrafts (no bad souvenirs here!), visit a hundred year old Catholic church that is a descendant of the original Mission, followed by a stroll through a landmark cemetery with graves dating back to the 1850s.
Our final stop is a local Tequileria to learn about the many different kinds of tequila. Enjoy a taste or select another beverage of your choice, plus gourmet tacos.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Chips and Salsa
Professional Local Tour Guide
3 mouth watering delicious Street Tacos
Handmade Tortilla Tasting
One Tequila beverage for guests 21+ (or beer, wine or soda of your choice) at a local tequileria
Souvenir Margarita Recipe
Guide Gratuity
Admission to paid museums
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
We will meet at the gate to the Adobe Chapel.
Good to know
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What to expect
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Old Town San Diego
1 hour
Join us as we discover the full story of San Diego in the location where it all began – Old Town. We’ll learn about the indigenous people of the area, along with the Spanish and visit where they settled, and how this became a part of Mexico before becoming a US State. Along the way we’ll hear tales of the people who lived here and will end with some fantastic tacos and tequila!
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Adobe Chapel Museum
10 min
We start our tour at the Adobe Chapel, first built as a home in 1850. By 1858 it became a chapel after the Mission was closed and served in that capacity until 1919. We'll learn that it was the setting of the fictional character Ramona’s wedding from the 1884 novel, and how this building saved the neighborhood.
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Whaley House Museum
5 min
There are three historic buildings on this site and we'll talk about all of them, plus admire the century old Pepper Trees. Known mostly for its ghostly residents, the Whaley House is historically important beyond being haunted.
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Heritage County Park
5 min
These Victorian buildings were moved here to preserve them from the expanding city in the 1970s from downtown. All of these houses date to the end of the 19th century.
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Mormon Battalion Historic Site
5 min
The longest infantry march in US history happened during the Mexican-American war in 1846-48 and this site commemorates it.
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Presidio Park
5 min
Where modern San Diego began with the first Mission and first Presidio (fortress) established here in 1769. After this area was abandoned residents moved down the hill to what is now Old Town State Park.
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Immaculate Conception Church
5 min
This is the descendant of the church at our meeting location and is over 100 years old.
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El Campo Santo Cemetery
5 min
After the Presidio closed, this became the main Catholic cemetery in San Diego, and many of San Diego's early residents are interred here.
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El Agave Restaurant & Tequileria
30 min
We've saved the best for last! We'll stop here for a refreshing beverage and some delish bites!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (America/Los Angeles).
Additional Information
- There is plenty of free parking in Old Town but can be hard to find on weekends. Please plan ahead.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about San Diego Old Town Tales, Tacos and Tequila Small Group Tour
Can I cancel San Diego Old Town Tales, Tacos and Tequila Small Group Tour for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 2 hours 30 min.
Where does it start?
We will meet at the gate to the Adobe Chapel.
What's included?
- Chips and Salsa
- Professional Local Tour Guide
- 3 mouth watering delicious Street Tacos
- Handmade Tortilla Tasting
- One Tequila beverage for guests 21+ (or beer, wine or soda of your choice) at a local tequileria
- Souvenir Margarita Recipe
What's not included?
- Guide Gratuity
- Admission to paid museums
Which places does it visit?
It visits Old Town San Diego, Adobe Chapel Museum, Whaley House Museum, Heritage County Park, Mormon Battalion Historic Site, Presidio Park, Immaculate Conception Church, El Campo Santo Cemetery.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by San Diego Walks
